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Tian Y, Wei H, Lu F, Wu H, Lou D, Wang S, Geng T. Antibacterial mechanism and structure-activity relationships of Bombyx mori cecropin A. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38898565 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Bombyx mori cecropin A (Bmcecropin A) has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-filamentous fungal and tumour cell inhibition activities and is considered a potential succedaneum for antibiotics. We clarified the antibacterial mechanism and structure-activity relationships and then directed the structure-activity optimization of Bmcecropin A. Firstly, we found Bmcecropin A shows a strong binding force and permeability to cell membranes like a detergent; Bmcecropin A could competitively bind to the cell membrane with the cell membrane-specific dye DiI, then damaged the membrane for the access of DiI into the cytoplasm and leading to the leakage of electrolyte and proteins. Secondly, we found Bmcopropin A could also bind to and degrade DNA; furthermore, DNA library polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results indicated that Bmcecropin A inhibited DNA replication by non-specific binding. In addition, we have identified C-terminus amidation and serine-lysine- glycine (SLG) amino acids of Bmcecropin A played critical roles in the membrane damage and DNA degradation. Based on the above results, we designed a mutant of Bmcecropin A (E9 to H, D17 to K, K33 to A), which showed higher antibacterial activity, thermostability and pH stability than ampicillin but no haemolytic activity. Finally, we speculated that Bmcecropin A damaged the cell membrane through a carpet model and drew the schematic diagram of its antibacterial mechanism, based on the antibacterial mechanism and the three-dimensional configuration. These findings yield insights into the mechanism of antimicrobial peptide-pathogen interaction and beneficial for the development of new antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hongxian Wei
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Fuping Lu
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Huazhou Wu
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Dezhao Lou
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Shuchang Wang
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Tao Geng
- Institute of Environment and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
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2
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Sinha B, Choudhury Y. Revisiting edible insects as sources of therapeutics and drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1345281. [PMID: 38370484 PMCID: PMC10869617 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1345281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been medicine's most formidable foe for long, and the rising incidence of the disease globally has made effective cancer therapy a significant challenge. Drug discovery is targeted at identifying efficacious compounds with minimal side effects and developments in nanotechnology and immunotherapy have shown promise in the fight against this complicated illness. Since ancient times, insects and insect-derived products have played a significant role in traditional medicine across several communities worldwide. The aim of this study was to inspect the traditional use of edible insects in various cultures and to explore their modern use in cancer therapy. Edible insects are sources of nutrients and a variety of beneficial substances with anticancer and immunomodulatory potential. Recently, insect derived bioactive-components have also been used as nanoparticles either in combination with chemotherapeutics or as a nano-cargo for the enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs due to their high biocompatibility, low bio-toxicity, and their antioxidant and anticancer effects. The crude extracts of different edible insects and their active components such as sericin, cecropin, solenopsin, melittin, antimicrobial peptides and fibroin produce anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects by various mechanisms which have been discussed in this review.
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3
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Liu Q, Wang L, He D, Wu Y, Liu X, Yang Y, Chen Z, Dong Z, Luo Y, Song Y. Application Value of Antimicrobial Peptides in Gastrointestinal Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16718. [PMID: 38069041 PMCID: PMC10706433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer is a common clinical malignant tumor disease that seriously endangers human health and lacks effective treatment methods. As part of the innate immune defense of many organisms, antimicrobial peptides not only have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity but also can specifically kill tumor cells. The positive charge of antimicrobial peptides under neutral conditions determines their high selectivity to tumor cells. In addition, antimicrobial peptides also have unique anticancer mechanisms, such as inducing apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, membrane destruction, and inhibition of metastasis, which highlights the low drug resistance and high specificity of antimicrobial peptides. In this review, we summarize the related studies on antimicrobial peptides in the treatment of digestive tract tumors, mainly oral cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. This paper describes the therapeutic advantages of antimicrobial peptides due to their unique anticancer mechanisms. The length, net charge, and secondary structure of antimicrobial peptides can be modified by design or modification to further enhance their anticancer effects. In summary, as an emerging cancer treatment drug, antimicrobial peptides need to be further studied to realize their application in gastrointestinal cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Dongxia He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuewei Wu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xian Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yahan Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhizhi Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhan Dong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ying Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuzhu Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Medical College, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
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4
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Gholipour Z, Fooladi AAI, Parivar K, Halabian R. Targeting glioblastoma multiforme using a novel fusion protein comprising interleukin-13 and staphylococcal enterotoxin B in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 92:105651. [PMID: 37482138 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Targeting cell surface receptors with immunotoxins provides a novel, unique and highly potent treatment against cancers. A high expression of interleukin-13 (IL13) receptor α2 (IL13Rα2) has been reported in different types of cancers including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In this paper, to target IL13Rα2 on GBM cells, a fusion protein was generated comprising human IL13 and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), termed IL13-linker-SEB. The fusion protein was cloned into pET28a(+) and expressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3); U251 (IL13Rα2-positive) and T98G (IL13Rα2-negative) GBM cell lines were employed and the functional activity of IL13-linker-SEB was evaluated by cell ELISA, cytotoxicity (MTT and LDH), apoptosis (flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity), adhesion, scratch and RT-PCR tests. SEB and chemotherapeutic drugs were employed to be compared to IL13-linker-SEB function. The IL13-linker-SEB exhibited higher binding affinity and cytotoxicity compared to SEB on U251 cells, although both recombinant proteins had shown similar behavior regarding T98G cells. Furthermore, the highest induction of apoptosis was observed in U251 cells treated with IL13-linker-SEB which was confirmed by Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The expression of MMP2, MMP9 and VEGFR2 in U251 cells experienced a significant reduction after treatment with IL13-linker-SEB compared to SEB and T98G treated cells. The data showed that IL13-linker-SEB can be considered as a novel potential agent for GBM treatment; however, further research is needed to investigate the efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Gholipour
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Imani Fooladi
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kazem Parivar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raheleh Halabian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Siddiqui SA, Li C, Aidoo OF, Fernando I, Haddad MA, Pereira JA, Blinov A, Golik A, Câmara JS. Unravelling the potential of insects for medicinal purposes - A comprehensive review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15938. [PMID: 37206028 PMCID: PMC10189416 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Entomotherapy, the use of insects for medicinal purposes, has been practised for centuries in many countries around the world. More than 2100 edible insect species are eaten by humans, but little is known about the possibility of using these insects as a promising alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for treating diseases. This review offers a fundamental understanding of the therapeutic applications of insects and how they might be used in medicine. In this review, 235 insect species from 15 orders are reported to be used as medicine. Hymenoptera contains the largest medicinal insect species, followed by Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Blattodea. Scientists have examined and validated the potential uses of insects along with their products and by-products in treating various diseases, and records show that they are primarily used to treat digestive and skin disorders. Insects are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds, explaining their therapeutic features such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and so on. Challenges associated with the consumption of insects (entomophagy) and their therapeutic uses include regulation barriers and consumer acceptance. Moreover, the overexploitation of medicinal insects in their natural habitat has led to a population crisis, thus necessitating the investigation and development of their mass-rearing procedure. Lastly, this review suggests potential directions for developing insects used in medicine and offers advice for scientists interested in entomotherapy. In future, entomotherapy may become a sustainable and cost-effective solution for treating various ailments and has the potential to revolutionize modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Prof.-von-Klitzing Str. 7, 49610 D-Quakenbrück, Germany
- Corresponding author. Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany.
| | - Chujun Li
- Guangzhou Unique Biotechnology Co., Ltd, 510663, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Owusu Fordjour Aidoo
- Department of Biological, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, 00233, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Ito Fernando
- Department of Plant Pest and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Moawiya A. Haddad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Processing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, 19117, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Jorge A.M. Pereira
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Andrey Blinov
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Andrey Golik
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - José S. Câmara
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Corresponding author. CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal.
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Pourali G, Kazemi D, Pourali R, Rahmani N, Razzaghi E, Maftooh M, Fiuji H, Ghorbani E, Khazaei M, Ferns GA, Hassanian SM, Avan A. Bioactive Peptides: Potential Impact on the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2450-2460. [PMID: 37877510 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128261378231019201709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
We have reviewed the potential use of bioactive peptides in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Conventional therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, are associated with numerous side effects that may lead to longterm complications. Bioactive peptides are short-chain amino acids that can be extracted from natural sources or synthesized, and they have various potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. Bioactive peptides can be acquired from animal or plant sources, and can be classified based on their function, such as ACE-inhibiting, antimicrobial, and electrolyte- regulating peptides. Recent studies have demonstrated the promising role of bioactive peptides in tumor suppression, especially when combined with conventional therapies. In this study, we have reviewed the beneficial properties of bioactive peptides and their role in suppressing tumor activity. The mechanisms of bioactive peptides in tumor suppression are discussed. We have further reviewed the findings of preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated the application of bioactive peptides in the treatment of GI cancers. This review highlights the potential use of bioactive peptides as a promising treatment method for GI malignancies to increase the quality of life of GI cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Pourali
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Danial Kazemi
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar Jerib Street, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roozbeh Pourali
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nafise Rahmani
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Erfan Razzaghi
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar Jerib Street, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mina Maftooh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Fiuji
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elnaz Ghorbani
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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7
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Nutritional Composition, Health Benefits, and Application Value of Edible Insects: A Review. Foods 2022; 11:foods11243961. [PMID: 36553703 PMCID: PMC9777846 DOI: 10.3390/foods11243961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For thousands of years, edible insects have been used as food to alleviate hunger and improve malnutrition. Some insects have also been used as medicines because of their therapeutic properties. This is not only due to the high nutritional value of edible insects, but more importantly, the active substances from edible insects have a variety of biofunctional activities. In this paper, we described and summarized the nutritional composition of edible insects and discussed the biological functions of edible insects and their potential benefits for human health. A summary analysis of the findings for each active function confirms that edible insects have the potential to develop functional foods and medicines that are beneficial to humans. In addition, we analyzed the issues that need to be considered in the application of edible insects and the current status of edible insects in food and pharmaceutical applications. We concluded with a discussion of regulations related to edible insects and an outlook on future research and applications of edible insects. By analyzing the current state of research on edible insects, we aim to raise awareness of the use of edible insects to improve human health and thus promote their better use and development.
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Ramos-Martín F, Herrera-León C, D'Amelio N. Bombyx mori Cecropin D could trigger cancer cell apoptosis by interacting with mitochondrial cardiolipin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:184003. [PMID: 35850261 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cecropin D is an antimicrobial peptide from Bombyx mori displaying anticancer and pro-apoptotic activities and, together with Cecropin XJ and Cecropin A, one of the very few peptides targeting esophageal cancer. Cecropin D displays poor similarity to other cecropins but a remarkable similarity in the structure and activity spectrum with Cecropin A and Cecropin XJ, offering the possibility to highlight key motifs at the base of the biological activity. In this work we show by NMR and MD simulations that Cecropin D is partially structured in solution and stabilizes its two-helix folding upon interaction with biomimetic membranes. Simulations show that Cecropin D strongly interacts with the surface of cancer cell biomimetic bilayers where it recognises the phosphatidylserine headgroup often exposed in the outer leaflet of cancerous cells by means of specific salt bridges. Cecropin D is also able to penetrate deeply in bilayers containing cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in mitochondria, causing significant destabilization in the lipid packing which might account for its pro-apoptotic activity. In bacterial membranes, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine act synergically by electrostatically attracting cecropin D and providing access to the membrane core, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ramos-Martín
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens 80039, France.
| | - Claudia Herrera-León
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens 80039, France
| | - Nicola D'Amelio
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens 80039, France.
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Yang D, Zhu L, Lin X, Zhu J, Qian Y, Liu W, Chen J, Zhou C, He J. Therapeutic Effects of Synthetic Triblock Amphiphilic Short Antimicrobial Peptides on Human Lung Adenocarcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050929. [PMID: 35631515 PMCID: PMC9143638 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of their unique properties, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a potential reservoir of novel anticancer therapeutic agents. However, only a few AMPs can kill tumors with high efficiency, and obtaining inexpensive anticancer AMPs with strong activity is still a challenge. In our previous work, a series of original short amphiphilic triblock AMP (KnFmKn) analogues were developed which were demonstrated to exert excellent effects on bacterial infection, both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, the overall objectives were to assess the potent tumoricidal capacities of these analogues against human lung cancer cell line A549 and the underlying mechanism. The results of the CCK-8 assay revealed that the precise modification of the peptides’ primary sequences could modulate their tumoricidal potency. In the tumoricidal progress, positive charge and hydrophobicity were the key driving forces. Among these peptides, K4F6K4 displayed the most remarkable tumoricidal activity. Furthermore, the excellent anticancer capacity of K4F6K4 was proven by the live/dead cell staining, colony formation assay, and tumor growth observations on xenografted mice, which indicated that K4F6K4 might be a promising drug candidate for lung cancer, with no significant adverse effects in vitro or in vivo. In addition, the cell apoptosis assay using flow cytometry, the morphology observations using the optical microscope, confocal microscopy using CellMask™ Deep Red staining, and scanning electron microscope suggested that membrane disruption was the primary mechanism of its antitumor action. Through analyzing the structure–activity relationship, it was found that the amount of positive charge required for KnFmKn to exert its optimal tumoricidal effect was more than that needed for the antimicrobial activity, while the optimal proportion of hydrophobicity was less. Our findings suggest that further analysis of the structure–activity relationship of AMPs’ primary sequence variations will be beneficial. Hopefully, this work can provide guiding principles in designing peptide-based therapeutics for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danjing Yang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (D.Y.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); (J.Z.); (W.L.); (J.C.)
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (D.Y.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); (J.Z.); (W.L.); (J.C.)
| | - Xiangyu Lin
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (D.Y.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); (J.Z.); (W.L.); (J.C.)
| | - Jiaming Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (D.Y.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); (J.Z.); (W.L.); (J.C.)
| | - Yusheng Qian
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China;
| | - Wenhui Liu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (D.Y.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); (J.Z.); (W.L.); (J.C.)
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (D.Y.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); (J.Z.); (W.L.); (J.C.)
| | - Chuncai Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China;
- Correspondence: (C.Z.); (J.H.)
| | - Jing He
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (D.Y.); (L.Z.); (X.L.); (J.Z.); (W.L.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence: (C.Z.); (J.H.)
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Maijaroen S, Klaynongsruang S, Roytrakul S, Konkchaiyaphum M, Taemaitree L, Jangpromma N. An Integrated Proteomics and Bioinformatics Analysis of the Anticancer Properties of RT2 Antimicrobial Peptide on Human Colon Cancer (Caco-2) Cells. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27041426. [PMID: 35209215 PMCID: PMC8880037 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
New selective, efficacious chemotherapy agents are in demand as traditional drugs display side effects and face growing resistance upon continued administration. To this end, bioactive molecules such as peptides are attracting interest. RT2 is a cationic peptide that was used as an antimicrobial but is being repurposed for targeting cancer. In this work, we investigate the mechanism by which this peptide targets Caco-2 human colon cancer cells, one of the most prevalent and metastatic cancers. Combining label-free proteomics with bioinformatics data, our data explore over 1000 proteins to identify 133 proteins that are downregulated and 79 proteins that are upregulated upon treatment with RT2. These changes occur in a dose-dependent manner and suggest the former group are related to anticancer cell proliferation; the latter group is closely related to apoptosis levels. The mRNA levels of several genes (FGF8, PAPSS2, CDK12, LDHA, PRKCSH, CSE1L, STARD13, TLE3, and OGDHL) were quantified using RT-qPCR and were found to be in agreement with proteomic results. Collectively, the global change in Caco-2 cell protein abundance suggests that RT2 triggers multiple mechanisms, including cell proliferation reduction, apoptosis activation, and alteration of cancerous cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surachai Maijaroen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.M.); (S.K.); (M.K.)
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sompong Klaynongsruang
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.M.); (S.K.); (M.K.)
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Monruedee Konkchaiyaphum
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.M.); (S.K.); (M.K.)
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Lapatrada Taemaitree
- Department of Integrated Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Nisachon Jangpromma
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Department of Integrated Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- Correspondence:
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Ramos-Martín F, Herrera-León C, D'Amelio N. Molecular basis of the anticancer, apoptotic and antibacterial activities of Bombyx mori Cecropin A. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 715:109095. [PMID: 34826396 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As Cecropin XJ, Cecropin A from Bombyx mori is one of the very few antimicrobial peptides having shown activity against esophageal cancer cells. It displays remarkable sequence-similarity to Cecropin XJ but slightly enhanced activity. In this work we show by NMR that both peptides are unstructured in solution but get structured in the presence of DPC micelles, mimicking the surface of biological membranes. In order to get insight into the molecular basis of its anticancer, antimicrobial and antifungal activity, we have investigated by MD simulations their interaction with a large variety of lipid bilayers mimicking cancer, mitochondrial, bacterial and fungal membranes. At variance with CecXJ, organized in two main helices, CecA tends to form a three helix bundle resulting in enhanced adaptability to its membrane targets. A specificity for the headgroup of phosphatidylserine and affinity for phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin may account for its selective targeting of cancer, bacterial and mitochondrial membranes, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ramos-Martín
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, 80039, France.
| | - Claudia Herrera-León
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, 80039, France
| | - Nicola D'Amelio
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, 80039, France.
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Geng T, Lu F, Zhu F, Wang S. Lineage-specific gene evolution of innate immunity in Bombyx mori to adapt to challenge by pathogens, especially entomopathogenic fungi. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 123:104171. [PMID: 34118279 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bombyx mori is a model species of Lepidoptera, in which 21 gene families and 220 genes have been identified as involved in immunity. However, only 45 B. mori - Drosophila melanogaster - Anopheles gambiae - Apis mellifera - Tribolium castaneum 1:1:1:1:1 orthologous genes were identified. B. mori has unique immune factors not found in D. melanogaster - A. gambiae - A. mellifera - T. castaneum. Pattern recognition receptors, signal transducers and effector genes for antifungal immune responses in B. mori have evolved through expansion and modification of existing genes. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the antifungal immune responses of B. mori and focuses on the lineage-specific gene evolution used by Lepidoptera to adapt to the challenge by pathogens, especially entomopathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Geng
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Sericulture Research Center, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
| | - Fuping Lu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Sericulture Research Center, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, China.
| | - Shuchang Wang
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China; Sericulture Research Center, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China.
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Vitale I, Yamazaki T, Wennerberg E, Sveinbjørnsson B, Rekdal Ø, Demaria S, Galluzzi L. Targeting Cancer Heterogeneity with Immune Responses Driven by Oncolytic Peptides. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:557-572. [PMID: 33446447 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that high degrees of heterogeneity among malignant cells constitute a considerable obstacle to the success of cancer therapy. This calls for the development of approaches that operate - or enable established treatments to operate - despite such intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH). In this context, oncolytic peptides stand out as promising therapeutic tools based on their ability to drive immunogenic cell death associated with robust anticancer immune responses independently of ITH. We review the main molecular and immunological pathways engaged by oncolytic peptides, and discuss potential approaches to combine these agents with modern immunotherapeutics in support of superior tumor-targeting immunity and efficacy in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilio Vitale
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO)-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Takahiro Yamazaki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erik Wennerberg
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Baldur Sveinbjørnsson
- Lytix Biopharma, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway; Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Øystein Rekdal
- Lytix Biopharma, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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